It has been a difficult season for Chelsea’s Kendry Paez. Currently out on loan at River Plate, the youngster has once again been called up by Ecuador despite his recent struggles.
Bought by Chelsea from boyhood club Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2024, Paez was sent back to the Ecuadorian outfit for the 2024-25 season. Then, he joined Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg.
Playing a bit-part role, Paez’s loan in Ligue 1 was cancelled, and the 18-year-old was sent on loan to Argentine giants River Plate until the end of the season. But that has not stopped Paez’s difficulties.
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A shoulder injury was followed by a knock to his knee. He has managed just two starts in a possible 11 games for River, failing to score or assist. But, River’s change in manager will supposedly help Paez.
Ecuador manager talks up Chelsea talent Kendry Paez
Still only 18, Paez has now played his football for three different clubs on two continents. He is due to return to Chelsea in the summer and reunite with Rosenior, before Chelsea make a decision on him.
Kendry Paez of River Plate looks on during a Torneo Apertura
Photo by Manuel Cortina/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
But for now, Paez is with Ecuador, who face Morocco and the Netherlands during the break. Quoted by ESPN, Ecuador boss Sebastian Beccacece heaped praise on Paez: “He’s a kid with enormous talent.
“He generated a lot of excitement, and that has created pressure. Even though he wasn’t playing, we kept calling him, we believe in his talent. Now at River, he seems to be regaining his joy and confidence.”
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Paez will return to Chelsea this summer having already gone out on loan three times. In Ecuador, he is rated as the future of his nation’s side and yet, he has failed to prove why Chelsea paid £17m for him.
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There is little to no chance that Paez is integrated into Rosenior’s side. Given his age, and competition in his position within the current Chelsea squad, Paez is more than likely to be sent on loan once again.
But it is time for Paez to show what he can do, closer to home. Perhaps, Chelsea find the youngster a loan in the Championship next season, to get him suited to English football and ready to play for Chelsea.
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